Description

Frank FrazettaEscape on VenusPainting
Original Art (1972). Princess Duare (Carson Napier's love
interest) is menaced by a tharban on this stunning work created in
1972. The painting was used as the cover for the 1974 re-issue of
the Edgar Rice Burroughs novel Escape on Venus. The book,
the third in the "Carson Napier of Venus" series, was reprinted
several times with this cover image, and the image was also
released as a print in the late 1970s. It is a stunning work! From
the piercing eyes of the tiger, to the delicate jewelry on the
female, to the soft lush vegetation, it is an iconic piece from an
artist who produces nothing less than exemplary pieces."Frazetta was very proud of the work. Ever innovating, he worked
to differentiate every piece in a unique way. While always
conscious of his audience, he incessantly challenged himself.
During this period, he expanded his palette with vivid hues, and
boasted that he could make those colors work in a believable,
sensuous way. No one can argue that he did not achieve his
goal!Frazetta has a legion of fans, and a major reason is that he
crossed over into several categories, each with its own exuberant
fan base. They can be distinguished as the 4Bs -- Babes, Burroughs,
Barbarians, and Beasts. When a Frazetta image contains more than
one element, the demand rises exponentially. This painting
certainly covers three of the four.Frank often liked to discuss (or hear) what made his images so
popular, not just after the fact, but also at the time of
publication. It is well known how his covers would immediately
stimulate the sale of a publication. Many would buy his covers
without any interest in the actual book. His effect was so massive,
that he was asked to create images before a publisher even lined up
a writer for a still-to-be-written story to accompany the art! This
is important as it breaks the barrier of 'illustrator' versus
'artist' -- a critical distinction. Frazetta created several key
works for himself, without guidance or assignment, including the
Death Dealer, probably his best-known painting. Publishers such as
Jim Warren, realizing his images invariably boosted sales, bought
the rights to his works and had stories written for them.Obviously his vivacious women and his unbridled imagination were
tantamount. His secret was to focus the viewer's attention on what
he wanted them to see. He would accomplish this by keeping other
areas of the painting vague, simply suggesting, not fully
rendering. His focal point was supremely detailed. In this prime
example, the woman and beast are totally rendered, tense yet
natural. Some felt his paintings only showed strong men. He would
vigorously argue otherwise; that his women were strong and in
control.Always a favorite of both the artist and his fans, this
painting, at the time it was first sold, was considered to be one
of, if not the finest Frazetta oil in private hands. Signed
and dated in the lower left of the 15.75" x 20" oil on presswood
board image. There is the lightest and faintest of edge wear. In
otherwise Excellent condition."

Joe and Nadia Mannarino

Joe and Nadia were personal friends of the Frazettas for over 30
years, representing the artist for decades in the sale of his
original art.

More Information:

Edit: Paragraph added about Frazetta expanding his pallet with vivid hues during this period.

Edit: Added info regarding Princess Duare and teh tharban.

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